2013 Honoree

Lisa Sherman

EVP, General Manager, Logo at MTV Networks

“Early in my career I was told to stay in the closet. For years, I hid my true self in the closet and that is time I regret, but for reasons you may not expect. I found that when I did find the strength to share my true self to my colleagues, I was not only happier personally, but I excelled professionally and naturally became a stronger leader. That bad advice taught me better later than never that authenticity leads to a higher place creatively and a more effective leadership.”

What city best describes your personality?

New York City, but for the fact that it’s the city that never sleeps (and I need my 7 hours). It’s the energy, diversity, big lights, and passionate people.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever ignored, and the worst advice you’ve ever taken?

Early in my career I was told to stay in the closet. For years, I hid my true self in the closet and that is time I regret, but for reasons you may not expect. I found that when I did find the strength to share my true self to my colleagues, I was not only happier personally, but I excelled professionally and naturally became a stronger leader. That bad advice taught me better later than never that authenticity leads to a higher place creatively and a more effective leadership.

What is your best read? What book would you want to be a character in?

Sonya Sotomayer’s “My Beloved World.” From a Bronx housing project to the first Hispanic appointed to United States Supreme Court, her journey is an inspiring testament to determination, hard work and big dreams.

How do you define power? Do you enjoy it? How do you live with your success?

Power is THE ability to influence and inspire others, but it comes in many unexpected forms and in many surprising packages. I have an 11-year-old step-daughter who makes it her mission to keep me humble. Thank you for that, Jordyn.

When do we stop asking questions about gender equality? When will it be Power People instead of Power Women? Is gender more important than politics?

Until the day comes where women are making the same money for the same jobs as men, and when powerful women are seen and valued just as powerful men are, we must keep the spotlight on women and celebrating our successes. And until that day when we are equally recognized, we are lucky to have night like tonight to come together. Thank you to NY Moves!

What do you think of social media?

Best talent scout ever to come out of Hollywood.

What’s one place you’ve always wanted to visit on your travels?

Israel. It will happen.

When sending a child out to see the world for the first time, where would you send them?

You don’t need a passport to show a young person something beautiful. There are people helping other people down the street and pointing that out to children at an early age shows them, instead of telling them, that beauty is up to you to define.